Eid-Al-Fitr, end of Ramadan, makes Union City a haven for Muslims as 3,000 gather for ceremonies

Tuesday of last week was the end of the 30-day Ramadan fast for Muslims, a day known as Eid- Al-Fitr meaning breaking the fast.

And the North Hudson Islamic Center on Cottage Street in Union City held it in grand style inviting men, women and children to gather in the athletic field of Jose Marti Middle School on Summit Avenue and 21st Street.

It looked like Union City was Mecca as I estimate some 3,000 people filled most of the expansive space in the shadow of the former St. Michael’s Monastery. People’s attire was so varied. Some dressed as any westerner and sported contemporary hair styles while others chose to wear traditional garb like the hijab or veil. A few women wore the yashmak or lace screen. But they were all there to celebrate Islamic values.

“Ramadan is a month of giving, self-discipline, obedience and being good to each other,” said Mariam Abbassi, one of the leaders of the growing mosque that is one of the most active and populous in Hudson County. This feast is one of the two Muslim times the other is their annual pilgrimage to Mecca when Muslims come together, said Hamadi Bengabsia, 45, the president of the mosque, who greeted the crowd. The North Bergen resident, who is a CPA, likened this celebration to Christmas. On this day, people visit each other, give gifts to children and also donate to charity so the mosque can help people in need. Many volunteers mingled among the people with donation boxes and people were donating generously.

After the welcome by Sheik Mohammed Al-Hayek and other mosque officials, they prayed and the men brought their own prayer mats to kneel on. Men stay in front and the women and girls behind them. This separation did not bother Abbassi, who said that this is the common arrangement in the mosque and did not discriminate against women.

“There is no difference and all are equal in God’s eyes,” she said. “This is the order for God. The men pray in front of the women.” She also went on to explain that this gives men the role of protector of women.

After the prayer, the people shared bagels with cream cheese and baklava, a middle eastern sweet pastry, and coffee and drinks. The day is a festive one. A colorful clown stood out among the crowd. Victor Araque, 47, known as Biscochino the clown, was concerned about the large number of children. He had no problem entertaining but worried about face painting and balloon sculpting since only one other clown was scheduled to join him.

Bengabsia publicly thanked Union City Mayor Brian Stack and other city officials for their assistance and cooperation. He also mentioned Salem Bakery in Union City and Toufayan Bakery in Fairfield for their generosity.

There were so many young people including a security of well-dressed men who could have been night club bouncers. The Sal brothers, Mustasim, 26, and Haz, 27, from Union City were proud that people of all backgrounds, races and genders could come together so peacefully.

Lina Banialmarja, 45, of North Bergen was dressed in a matching green floor-length gown called a jilbab and matching head cover. She teaches at the Rising Star Academy located at the mosque. A native of Syria, Banialmarja, who has been in the U.S. for 17 years, was worried about her relatives back in Damascus as Syrians try to overthrow their president. She said she calls her family regularly. Today her prayers were especially for them.